Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

simond9x - not only the clues but the preamble too. The use of the word “right” instead of the usual “correct” ond the otherwise unnecessary removal of across and down from the clue list led me to the letter and the clues requiring correction before I started solving.

Indeed, this was reminiscent of Listener 4458 Difficulty by Chalicea, which still remains one of the most impressive feats of construction I have seen in many years of doing the Listener.

Hi smithsax - and I hadn't spotted that either! I did wonder about why the words Across and Down didn't appear. In my book, all these little things elevate it above a mere 'entry level' puzzle. I really must take more time looking at/for these things though.

Smithsax, simond9x - not only that but there are only 5 occurrences of the thematic letter in the grid, one in the thematic item and 4 “worn” by the individuals who subsequently disappear.

Don’t think that’s a coincidence.

Nice touches - thanks Remus

Hello Smithsax and simond9X

Could you explain the point about the preamble and Across and Down?

I'm still missing it, despite having completed.

No occurrences of the thematic letter anywhere to be found, or elsewhere in the final grid.

Just Ok for me - not a fan. I was surprised by the obscurity of the allusions to SAM at 1ac and BURY at 8ac. The former can be excused for being thematic, but the latter, I felt, was unfair. I live no more than fifty miles from BURRY (northern pronunciation) but had never heard of the district. I only got to it by thinking of the name of the town's main football stadium - the town's football club has sadly gone under but that's another story.

Thanks simond9x - I would never have noticed this!

I didn't! Credit to the others for spotting it.

Thank you Loge for highlighting Listener 4458 (Difficulty by Chalicea). I had a go at it based on your post, and I agree that it is satisfyingly put together. Also a very approachable puzzle for people like me who are still Listener beginners. Thanks again.